WCS, Newcomb students fare well in Berklee band competition

Student musicians from Warrensburg High School and Newcomb pose for a photo to commemorate their participation in the recent Berklee High School Jazz Festival and competition, in which they placed well and two students won coveted honors.

Competing this month in the prestigious Berklee High School Jazz Festival, the bands from Warrensburg High School and Newcomb Central School earned honors for their two ensembles as well as special distinction for two student musicians.

A total of 45 students from the Warrensburg and Newcomb schools participated in the festival, held March 1 through March 3 in Boston at the Berklee College of Music.

Both of the school bands placed in the top 10 groups in their respective categories, although it was the first time either participated in the competition.

One student from each school received special honors. Earning Berklee Festival’s Judges’ Choice awards were Bethanie “Benny” Viele of Newcomb for her performances on baritone sax and piano, and Allison Lanfear of Warrensburg High for her expertise performing on the trumpet,

While in town, students enjoyed a performance of the Blue Man Group, and visited Quincy Market.

Foster expressed appreciation this week to chaperones Debbie and Tim Toolan, Virginia Rivers, Donna Smaldone, and Ed LaCourse, as well as to the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Co., the Warrensburg PTSA and Warrensburg McDonalds for their donations to make the trip possible.